Canadian Immigration Minister Mark Miller revealed on Monday a significant adjustment in Canada's approach to foreign student permits.
As part of a temporary two-year measure, there will be a 35 percent reduction in the number of foreign student permits granted in the coming year. This initiative is designed to address concerns related to institutions exploiting foreign students through excessive tuition fees and to manage the overall intake of international students.
The cap will specifically limit study permits to 364,000 for the year 2024, with a reassessment scheduled for 2025 at the conclusion of the current year. It's worth noting that exemptions to the maximum limit will apply to students applying for master's and doctoral programs, as they are deemed vital contributors to Canada's intellectual capital.
Minister Miller clarified that the intention behind the cap is not punitive towards foreign students, who are recognized as valuable assets to the country. Rather, the aim is to ensure that they receive a high-quality educational experience. The minister emphasized the unacceptability of certain private institutions exploiting foreign students by imposing exorbitant tuition fees.
Under the new policy, each province will be assigned a maximum number of foreign students based on its population. This approach will result in some provinces experiencing a more substantial reduction in the number of foreign students allowed, ensuring a fair distribution across regions.
Miller stressed the importance of retaining talented individuals pursuing advanced degrees, describing them as "the smart people we need to retain." This acknowledgement highlights the significance of attracting and keeping highly skilled individuals in Canada.
This announcement follows discussions that took place five months ago during a cabinet meeting in Charlottetown, where Miller, along with Housing Minister Sean Fraser, began considering the prospect of implementing limits on foreign student visas. The move reflects ongoing efforts to address challenges arising from the increasing influx of foreign students, contributing to housing shortages and elevated costs nationwide.
